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A 1986 autobiography spanning the life/career of the Father of Rock n‘ Roll, Chuck Berry‘s prose is true to form in that it‘s more half poetry-half song lyric. Berry relates his St. Louis upbringing, early blues inspirations and first recordings at Chicago‘s Chess Records before the newly minted rock n‘ roll really picks up. Even racism, his infidelities and several prison stints don‘t break his stride: “I would sing the blues if I had the blues.”

Chuck Berry was one of my favorite artists as a kid and today. Rock and roll may not have existed without him, and it certainly wouldn't be the same without his pioneering of it. Soon the afterlife is going to have better concerts than we can have in this life. 💔💔